As the landscape of education continues to evolve, summer schools have emerged as valuable opportunities for students aged 16 to 18 to enhance their academic pursuits and personal development. In 2026, a selection of reputable programs from esteemed providers such as Study Mind, Oxbridge Academic Programs, and Immerse Education offer diverse curricula designed to foster critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity. These programs not only enrich students' knowledge but also provide a platform for cultural exchange and networking with peers from around the globe.
A broad selection of programmes is available, varying in depth, workload and course design across providers.
Summer programs in the humanities prioritize a diverse curriculum that encompasses literature, history, philosophy, and the arts. This broad academic focus allows students to explore complex themes and develop critical thinking skills. Unlike traditional classroom settings, where the syllabus may be rigid, these summer schools offer a more exploratory and interdisciplinary approach. Students engage in discussions that challenge their perspectives, enhancing their understanding of societal issues and cultural contexts. The emphasis on analytical writing and interpretative skills equips learners for university-level expectations while fostering a genuine passion for the humanities.
Program structures vary significantly, but many emphasize a balance between structured learning and independent exploration. Classroom environments are often collaborative, encouraging students to engage in dialogue and group projects. This collective learning approach fosters a sense of community among participants. Independent assignments encourage deeper research and reflection, allowing students to delve into topics of personal interest. Overall, the experience is designed to be immersive and intellectually stimulating, with a rhythm that promotes both academic rigor and personal growth.
While specific age groups may not be explicitly defined, programs are generally suited for late high school students eager to enhance their knowledge and skills in the humanities. Participants are typically expected to possess a foundational understanding of the subjects, which allows for more advanced discussions and analyses. This level of engagement prepares them for future academic pursuits and cultivates their ability to articulate complex ideas effectively.
The best summer schools for this age group in 2026 stand out due to their commitment to fostering intellectual curiosity and personal development. Unlike conventional educational environments, these programs often integrate project-based learning that encourages students to take ownership of their educational journey. The duration and intensity of these courses can vary, providing options that cater to different learning styles and schedules. This flexibility, combined with a rich academic curriculum, ensures that students leave with both knowledge and a renewed enthusiasm for the humanities.
Observed fees for current intakes start from £0, with total cost shaped by duration, accommodation and subject intensity.
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Last updated: 15/02/2026
| Course | Provider | Subject | Location | Duration | Fees | Short Description | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Green Futures: Solutions to Environmental Challenges (The Oxbridge Institute for Advanced Studies) | Oxbridge Academic Programs | Climate & Sustainability, Social Sciences, Sciences | Oxford | 4 weeks | $12,595 | The course will begin by introducing students to the approaches and techniques required to carry out a successful research project related to the Environmental crisis. At the same time, the instructor will propose a range of topics students might wish to concentrate on. | View |
| Business Management in Toronto for Ages 15-18 | Immerse Education | Business, Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Economics, Humanities | Toronto | 2+ weeks | 5995 | Develop diverse business skills in Toronto, Canada's economic powerhouse and a hub of multiculturalism. | View |
| Pre-University Preparation Medicine | Bucksmore Education | Medicine, Sciences, Psychology, Neuroscience, Exam Preparation, University Preparation | Oxford | 2 or 4 weeks | 3195 | This programme prepares students to excel in their chosen subjects within the highly competitive higher education environment. Students choose one university-level subject taught at a first-year undergraduate level. | View |
| Mathematics in Oxford for Ages 16-18 | Immerse Education | Mathematics, STEM, Sciences, Economics | Oxford | 2+ weeks | 7495 | Solve complex equations in Oxford, following in the footsteps of world-renowned mathematicians. | View |
| Computer Science (13-15 years old) | Oxford Summer Courses | Computer Science, Coding, Tech & Coding, STEM | Cambridge | 2 Weeks | 6995 | The Computer Science Cambridge summer school at Oxford Summer Courses, designed for 13-15 years old students, provides seminars and small group learning and is priced from £6,995. | View |
| Law Explorers (11-12 years old) | Oxford Summer Courses | Law, Humanities, Social Sciences | UK Boarding Schools | 1 Week | 2595 | The Law Explorers summer school at Oxford Summer Courses, designed for 11-12 years old students, provides interactive learning and is priced from £2,595. | View |
| Natural Sciences in Cambridge for Ages 13-15 | Immerse Education | Sciences, Biology, Chemistry, Physics | Cambridge | 2+ weeks | 7495 | Discover the interconnected world of science in Cambridge, a city that has inspired countless scientific breakthroughs. | View |
| Economics (Oxbridge in New York) | Oxbridge Academic Programs | Economics, Business, Social Sciences | New York | 4 weeks | $11,495 | The city that over the past two centuries has contributed more than any other to making the world rich, while bankrupting it on several occasions, becomes a classroom as students are introduced to the theories that govern economic thought as well as economic modeling. Guided by experts, and making full use of visits to Wall Street and experts drawn from corporate New York, students go on to test their knowledge against contemporary economic problems in order to understand how the world economy might evolve. | View |
| Politics (The Oxford Summer Seminar) | Oxbridge Academic Programs | Politics, Social Sciences, Humanities | Oxford | 1 or 2 weeks | $3,995 for one session; $7,395 for the combined session | What goals and methodologies, if any, do politicians around the world share? To what extent are politicians able to change contemporary society? | View |
| Youth Leadership | ISSOS | Leadership, Business, Social Sciences | St Andrews | 3 weeks | 7900 | Develop leadership skills and discover your own potential on this unique leadership programme that will give you a variety of valuable life skills that will be useful in both your academic and your personal life. | View |
| University Preparation at Earlscliffe | Summer Boarding Courses | University Preparation, Exam Preparation, Humanities | UK Boarding Schools | 2 Weeks | 3795 | University Preparation at Earlscliffe is designed to equip you with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to succeed in higher education. The programme focuses on academic research, critical writing, and presentation, while also providing practical guidance on applying to UK universities. | View |
| Mathematics | Reach Cambridge | Mathematics, STEM, Sciences | Cambridge | 2, 4 or 6 weeks | £6,295.00 – £18,495.00 | There is no better place to gain an introduction to university-level mathematics than at Cambridge – a home to numerous Fields Medal winners. | View |
| Veterinary Studies in Sydney for Ages 13-15 | Immerse Education | Veterinary Science, Sciences, Biology | Sydney | 2 weeks | From £3,995 | Begin your veterinary journey in Sydney, surrounded by Australia's unique wildlife and ecosystems. Click to learn more. | View |
| Perfeccionamiento de la lengua IMMERSION (Oxbridge in Barcelona) | Oxbridge Academic Programs | English, Humanities, Literature, Media | Barcelona | 4 weeks | $9,995 | Este curso de expresión oral y escrita se dirige a los estudiantes que quieren enriquecer su vocabulario y afianzar el conocimiento de la gramática española, como el empleo del condicional y del subjuntivo, la conjugación de los tiempos verbales, o la elección de los pronombres personales y relativos. Los estudiantes leen la prensa regional y nacional, visionan extractos de películas contemporáneas, discuten sobre temas de actualidad y se inician en el arte del debate. | View |
| Experience Psychology & Neuroscience Academy | Oxford Scholastica Academy | Psychology, Neuroscience, Sciences, Social Sciences, Humanities | Oxford | 2 weeks | 6995 | Fascinated by the human mind, thought and behaviour? If you’re thinking of studying psychology, this course will give you a great head start. | View |
| Business Management in Cambridge for Ages 16-18 | Immerse Education | Business, Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Humanities, Social Sciences | Cambridge | 2+ weeks | 7495 | Develop advanced business skills in Cambridge, a global centre for learning and innovation. | View |
| Engineering in New York for Ages 15-18 | Immerse Education | Engineering, STEM, Sciences | New York | 2+ weeks | 7495 | Explore engineering innovation in New York, where infrastructure and technology shape the modern city. | View |
| Enterprise Explorers (13-14 years old) | Oxford Summer Courses | Business, Entrepreneurship, Marketing, Leadership, Humanities, Social Sciences | UK Boarding Schools | 1 Week | 2295 | The Enterprise Explorers summer school at Oxford Summer Courses, designed for 13-14 years old students, provides interactive learning and is priced from £2,295. | View |
| Explore Law (Oxford) | Oxford Royale | Law, Humanities, Social Sciences | Oxford | 2 weeks | 6995 | Oxford Royale’s Explore Law Summer School in Oxford offers students aged 12–15 an immersive introduction to UK law. Through expert-led classes, mock trials, debates, and investigations, students gain foundational legal knowledge and skills. | View |
| Computational Psychology and Artificial Intelligence | Lady Margaret Hall University of Oxford | Psychology, Neuroscience, Artificial Intelligence, Sciences, STEM | Oxford | 3 Weeks | 4384 | How does the brain process information, make decisions, and learn? Computational Psychologists seek to answer these questions by using algorithms and mathematical models to simulate and analyse the mechanisms behind mental processes. | View |
